Mt. Fuji’s Sister

Since moving to NYC, I sometimes find myself longing for the rugged landscape of the Pacific Northwest, where I was born and spent most of my early life. I have fond memories backpacking through the Cascade mountains in snow, rain and the occasional sunshine.

As the tallest peak in Washington, Mt. Rainier towers above Seattle and has been a constant source of inspiration for those surrounding it. When Japanese immigrants first moved to Seattle in the late 19th century, many found comfort in its similar shape to Mount Fuji.

This relationship between the two mountains was formalized in 1936 when their two respective National parks exchanged rocks from each mountain, now on display in their respective visitor centers. From this Mt Rainier and Mt Fuji became known as Sister mountains, a new connection between East and West.

Rainier, 2025

Rainier, 2025

Reduction Mokuhanga on Yamaguchi washi

Made from three woodblocks with 18 color layers

8.5 x 11 inches

“Another jetway,

Seatback pocket,

Thirty thousand feet.

I crack open the shade

The brightest light, sunrise

Your towering figure

Greets me as we

Come back to earth.”

Daybreak, 2025

In other news, my print “Daybreak” was accepted into the upcoming Annual Fall Exhibition of the American Color Print Society (ACPS) at The Plastic Club in Philadelphia, PA from Nov. 2nd thru Nov. 26th.

This is my first opportunity to show in Philly and its an honor to have my work included in what will be a great exhibition.

More great news, My print “Tempest” was awarded the “In Memory of Ruth Leaf Award” at the 90th Annual Members Exhibition of the Society of American Graphic Artists hosted at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport, CT. Ruth Leaf (1923-2015) was a prolific printmaker and was an early contributor to the Baren Forum a long running international network of mokuhanga printmakers which was an invaluable deposit of information when I started learning the medium.

And finally, the 2027 International Mokuhanga Conference was just announced, with its 6th iteration being hosted at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS. I had the pleasure of attending the 5th conference in Echizen, Japan and am beyond excited for this one.

As always, I am continually grateful for all of the support from the printmaking community. Its a pleasure having the opportunity to make art and share it with so many people.